Volume 1 Issue 23

SSY Base Oil Shipping Report

Adrian Brown is away. His column will reappear in the June 20 issue of Lube Report Americas.

Venezuelan Market Battered by Economy

Venezuelas economic and political crisis has hammered its vaunted petroleum industry, and the nations lubricant market is suffering along with it.

Progress on Tests, Test Limits for GF-6

Work continues on a variety of tests, test parameters and engine and bench test limits necessary for completion of the ILSAC GF-6 passenger car engine oil category.

SK Capital Acquires SI Group

Private investment firm SK Capital Partners agreed to acquire Schenectady, New York-based SI Group, a global developer and manufacturer of performance additives and intermediates, for an undisclosed amount.

From Other Editions of Lube Report

More U.S. Finished Lube Price Hikes

ExxonMobil, Cam2 International and Smittys Supply each notified customers of upcoming general price increases on finished lubricants taking effect in mid-June and early July. Factors cited included increased costs for base oil, additives and freight. ExxonMobil will raise prices by up to 9 percent effective July 1, Cam 2 will increase prices by 4 to 9 percent effective June 16, and Smittys Supply will raise prices by 4 to 9 percent effective June 16.

Briefly Noted

Canadian specialty chemical distributor Chemroy recently signed a distribution agreement with BASF, allowing the Ontario-based company to manage the global lubricant suppliers portfolio of base oils, surfactants and additives throughout Canada. Authentix named Kevin McKenna as its new president and CEO, succeeding Bernard Bailey, who will remain as chairman of the board. The Addison, Texas-based company provides end-to-end authentication solutions to help safeguard customers lubes and other refined products.